Computer center operation in a civil engineering establishment

Abstract

It is said that in the office of a wise old programmer hangs the sign: “Anything you can do, I can do better. Anything I can do, you can do better, and anything I have done, I most certainly can do better”. With this premise in mind, we will try to capture some of the practices, management concepts and general operational procedures of computer use as practiced by various Civil Engineering concerns. Computer installation management may still be considered a relatively new ‘science’. Numerous articles have been written about it, but most of this information pertains to large installations and service bureaus. The Civil Engineering practitioner, however, because of his size, nature and diversification of his work and clientele does not fall within this category. The hour has come when the Civil Engineering profession must take hold of itself and review this phase of its practice. The ideas and concepts expressed by the author are not professed to be original or recommended as rules of practice. As a matter of fact, they may be considered of a rather pedestrian nature. They should, however, be considered as an opening thesis inviting all possible constructive criticism that will eventually lead to a mature and organized management approach. Among the topics to be discussed are the following: Computer justification Space requirements and physical planning Security precautions Open shop versus closed shop Priorities and scheduling Input preparation and processing Organization chart Personnel relations; Loafers Job description and qualification Computer room traffic control Program development policy Operational log Cost distribution and billing Pricing policies Credibility of computer aided engineering Professional and legal aspects.